Response to "Parents Should Be Blamed for Negative Effects of Video Games"

This essay acts contrary to the popular opinion that video games are contributing to youth violence today. The author acknowledges the violence of certain video games, but states that it is ultimately up to the parents and their abilities to control their children, and make certain they understand the difference between the virtual and the real world. Standing in sharp contrast to the author's thesis is the common wisdom that video games alone are corrupting youth and turning them to commit massacres at school. Ultimately, however, I agree more with the author, that as long as parents do their part correctly there should be no worry about their children acting violently because of a video game. Like the author, this hypothesis is based primarily on anecdotal evidence. Just as they mention their video game-playing friends are normal and generally sociable, so too are the people I've known to play such games.

In addition to the primary idea of violence in games, the author raises the issue of obesity in the final paragraphs. Unlike previously, conventional wisdom and the essay are now in total agreement. It is hard to come across any sort of discussion of childhood obesity, or adult for that matter, where the issue of video games, the computer, and TV aren't raised. This time, however, I must disagree with the author. There are certain people who, despite the level of pleading, pushing, and cajoling, will never develop enough drive to better themselves through sports or exercise. In cases like this, lack of video games wouldn't have made any noticeable difference in their lives. If they weren't occupying themselves with these distractions, they would certainly be with others.